The NFL playoffs are right here, and the divisional spherical guarantees to ship loads of drama.
Whether or not it’s star quarterbacks dealing with off, underdog groups seeking to pull off upsets or key betting angles to discover, we’ve acquired you lined with every part it is advisable know heading into the motion.
Click on beneath to leap to a recreation:
HOU@KC | WAS@DET | LAR@PHI | BAL@BUF
Houston Texans @ Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (-8.5) [Total: 41.5]
Storyline of the Sport: The Chiefs start their march towards a three-peat
The reigning back-to-back Tremendous Bowl champions are set to start their quest to turn into the primary crew to seize three straight titles. After clinching the AFC’s prime seed earlier than the tip of the common season, Kansas Metropolis loved a much-needed bye week to get better and regroup. Now, the main focus shifts as to whether their rhythm and cohesion maintain robust, as most of the crew’s key contributors haven’t performed for the reason that holidays.
In the meantime, the Texans discover themselves in acquainted territory. For the second straight 12 months, they defended their residence area with a commanding wild-card spherical win, establishing a street journey to face the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
Final 12 months’s divisional spherical didn’t finish as this crew hoped, however they now have the chance to avenge not solely that loss but in addition their Week 16 loss to the identical Chiefs crew.
Matchups to Watch: Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie vs. Texans WR Nico Collins
A matchup that includes two PFF All-Execs begins off the divisional spherical. Collins, PFF’s second-highest-graded receiver this season, began the postseason proper, hauling in seven catches for 122 yards and a rating.
Nico Collins had the higher hand in his earlier matchup in opposition to Trent McDuffie, with the Chiefs’ standout cornerback incomes only a 58.5 protection grade in that recreation. Regardless of that outing, McDuffie’s physique of labor this season speaks for itself, highlighted by his league-leading 7.419 superior protection grade.
Betting Developments
The Texans improved to 2-1 in opposition to the unfold within the postseason beneath head coach DeMeco Ryans after masking as 2.5-point residence underdogs within the wild-card spherical. This week, they face their steepest unfold as underdogs this season. The one different time Houston confronted a line of greater than 6 factors was in Week 17 in opposition to Baltimore, a recreation the Ravens dominated 31-2.
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs have a historical past of playoff success in betting markets, with Mahomes boasting a 13-5 ATS postseason report. Nevertheless, Kansas Metropolis has struggled to cowl at residence this season, holding only a 37.5% cowl charge (3-5 ATS) at Arrowhead. 4 of these misses got here as favorites of 6 factors or extra.
WR Xavier Worthy, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs: Over 3.5 Dashing yards (-123)
Xavier Worthy’s position within the run recreation grew considerably over the ultimate weeks of the common season, as he has logged a minimum of one carry in his final 4 video games (excluding a restricted one-snap look in Week 18).
This improve in involvement has allowed him to exceed this speeding line in every of these contests. Worthy has averaged a powerful 5.2 yards per carry this season, with 2.9 yards coming after contact, making this over a sensible goal once more.
Further Information
Chiefs assistant GM Mike Borgonzi interviewed with the Titans for his or her vacant normal supervisor place.
The Texans launched WR Diontae Johnson after simply two video games. Johnson was claimed by the Ravens, marking his return to Baltimore after the Tremendous Bowl.
Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo and OC Matt Nagy have acquired interview requests for head teaching positions.
Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) practiced in a restricted capability and is predicted to play this week after lacking earlier periods.
Chiefs CB Jaylen Watson (ankle) is ready to return to the lineup this week, having been sidelined since Week 7.
Washington Commanders @ Detroit Lions (-9.5) [Total: 55.5]
Storyline of the Sport: The ultimate act of Detroit’s redemption arc
After a storybook 2023 season for the Lions led to heartbreak within the NFC Championship Sport, Dan Campbell and his crew regrouped and refocused for 2024. Now, they stand on the precipice of redemption. A dominant Week 18 victory secured the division title and the NFC’s No. 1 seed, giving Detroit the momentum and home-field benefit they should lastly full their march to the Tremendous Bowl.
In his first profession playoff look, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels led Washington to its first postseason victory since 2005. Nevertheless, there’s little time to savor the win, because the Commanders put together to face the NFC’s prime seed. With their sights set on breaking a 33-year drought since their final journey to the NFC Championship Sport, Washington enters this matchup with every part to show.
Matchups to Watch: Commanders WR Terry McLaurin vs Lions S Kerby Joseph
Terry McLaurin is amid a profession 12 months, incomes well-deserved accolades like Professional Bowl and AP All-Professional honors. His 82.2 receiving grade within the common season ranked within the prime 20 amongst extensive receivers, and he elevated his recreation even additional within the wild-card spherical, incomes a season-best 88.1 recreation grade — his finest single-game mark since 2021.
Joseph was by some means left off the NFL’s Professional Bowl roster, however he deservedly took residence PFF & AP first-team All-Professional honors. Joseph led all safeties with a 90.8 protection grade through the common season, tying for the league lead with eight interceptions.
Betting Developments
Detroit completed the common season tied for the NFL’s finest cowl charge (70.6%; 12-4-1 ATS), partly because of their 5-3-1 ATS report at residence and their 4-2 ATS report as 6-plus-point favorites. Final season, the Lions lined two of their three playoff matchups.
The Commanders, in the meantime, lined as 3-point street underdogs within the wild-card spherical, enhancing their ATS report as underdogs to 4-2-1 on the 12 months. This recreation represents the most important unfold they’ve confronted as underdogs this season, although they’ve carried out nicely in related spots, holding a 1-0-1 report when given six or extra factors.
QB Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders: Over 22.5 Completions (-110)
The winner of PFF’s Rookie of the Yr award faces an uphill battle on this one. Given the sizable level unfold on this one, Oddsmakers anticipate the Lions to command this recreation, which ought to help a pass-heavy recreation script for Washington. Daniels has surpassed this line in every of his final six full video games, largely because of Washington throwing the fifth-most display screen passes (94) within the common season.
Further Information
Lions RB David Montgomery (knee) practiced in full this week and seems on monitor to return for the Divisional Spherical.
Lions OC Ben Johnson and DC Aaron Glenn have wrapped up a number of interviews for head teaching alternatives throughout the league.
The New York Jets have interviewed Lions government Chris Spielman as a candidate for his or her vacant GM place.
Lions RG Kevin Zeitler (hamstring) missed follow on each Tuesday and Wednesday, placing his standing for this weekend unsure.
Los Angeles Rams @ Philadelphia Eagles (-6) [Total: 44]
Storyline of the Sport: Can the Rams overcome the hostile surroundings?
The Rams and Eagles are only a step away from returning to the Tremendous Bowl, a stage each groups have reached prior to now three seasons. Coming off spectacular wild-card victories, they now put together for a matchup that the weather might closely affect, with snow, wind and frigid temperatures anticipated to play a big position.
The circumstances might problem the Rams, a crew unaccustomed to harsh climate this season. Their lone recreation performed in sub-40-degree temperatures got here in Week 16 in opposition to the Jets. Whereas they secured a 19-9 victory, their offensive output left a lot to be desired, managing simply 4.8 yards per play.
Matchups to Watch: Saquon Barkley vs. The Rams’ entrance seven
The latest member of the 2K Membership regarded each bit the workhorse for the Eagles within the wild-card spherical, amassing 119 yards on 25 carries and ripping off three explosive runs of 15 or extra yards. With wintry circumstances within the forecast for this week’s matchup, Barkley is predicted to shoulder one other heavy workload.
In response to PFF’s Key Insights, Barkley leads the league in yards earlier than contact per carry (2.6), showcasing his capability to search out working lanes and attain the second stage.
The Rams protection ranks within the backside 5 in common yards earlier than contact allowed (1.5), underscoring their struggles in shortly closing down speeding assaults.
Betting Developments
Philadelphia has been a dependable crew in betting markets this season, posting a robust 66.7% cowl charge (12-6 ATS), among the finest within the NFL. Whereas the Eagles are 3-3 ATS within the playoffs since drafting Jalen Hurts, all three covers got here as residence favorites at The Linc.
The Rams, in the meantime, enter this matchup with momentum in betting markets after handing Minnesota one other loss within the wild-card spherical regardless of being residence underdogs. L.A. has now lined six of their final seven video games, with three outright wins as underdogs throughout that stretch.
QB Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles: Below 25.5 Move Makes an attempt (-105)
With climate anticipated to play a big position, Saquon Barkley and the Eagles’ floor recreation are poised to take middle stage as soon as once more. Even with out the climate as an element, this passing yardage line for Jalen Hurts feels inflated. Hurts has surpassed this whole in solely two video games for the reason that crew’s Week 5 bye.
Further Information
Rams TE Tyler Higbee (chest) was hospitalized after exiting the wild-card matchup. Head coach Sean McVay informed reporters Higbee was “coughing up a bit of little bit of blood.” Stories point out his situation has improved, and Higbee hopes to play this week.
Eagles LB Nakobe Dean (knee) suffered a torn patellar tendon in his knee, not solely ending his season however placing his standing to begin subsequent season in jeopardy.
Dallas has requested permission to interview Eagles OC Kellen Moore for an open head coach emptiness.
L.A. has designated edge defender Larrell Murchison and LB Troy Reeder to return from IR.
Snow is a possible issue for Sunday’s matchup in Philly.
Baltimore Ravens (-1) @ Buffalo Payments [Total: 51.5]
Storyline of the Sport: MVP favorites face off in frigid temps
The controversy over who will declare the NFL’s most prestigious particular person honor has been a relentless for the reason that common season wrapped up, with Josh Allen of the Payments and Lamar Jackson of the Ravens firmly within the highlight. Each quarterbacks lived as much as the hype within the wild-card spherical, delivering stellar performances that positioned them among the many prime 15 highest-graded gamers of the weekend.
As these two superstars put together for his or her divisional showdown, the stage will likely be set within the frosty confines of Orchard Park. Climate forecasts predict single-digit temperatures at kickoff, with the potential for dipping beneath zero and a 40% probability of snow, including one other layer of intrigue to this epic matchup.
Matchups to Watch: Payments TE Dalton Kincaid vs. Ravens S Kyle Hamilton
Whereas each gamers showcased their immense expertise through the common season, the wild-card spherical wasn’t their finest displaying, and each will goal for redemption within the divisional spherical.
Hamilton earned only a 61.6 total grade final week, a notable drop from his 90.1 mark through the common season — the second-highest amongst safeties. Whereas chilly climate might restrict Buffalo’s reliance on the passing recreation, Hamilton might want to reestablish himself as certainly one of Baltimore’s key defensive anchors to decelerate Josh Allen and firm.
Kincaid additionally struggled to make his regular influence, recording his lowest receiving grade of the 12 months at 52.4. The Broncos succeeded in assigning top-tier protection defenders to disrupt the rookie tight finish’s rhythm. With Hamilton and the Ravens protection more likely to observe the same blueprint, Kincaid might want to rise to the event to maintain the Payments’ offense buzzing.
Betting Developments
Lamar Jackson’s postseason narrative is shifting, with the Ravens now driving a five-game cowl streak, all as favorites. After masking as 8.5-point favorites within the Wild-card spherical, Baltimore boasts a powerful 6-2 ATS report when laying factors on the street this season, dispelling issues about Jackson’s 2-4 playoff ATS report heading into the 12 months.
Josh Allen and the Payments have a much less favorable postseason ATS monitor report at 4-7. But, this marks a uncommon event for Buffalo as residence underdogs. At Highmark Stadium, the Payments have excelled this season with a 6-3 ATS report, masking in all video games as favorites.
When these groups final met in September, the Ravens dominated with a 35-10 victory, masking as 2.5-point residence favorites. This time, the Payments will look to even the rating in entrance of their residence crowd.
RB Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens: Over 19.5 Carries (-113)
PFF’s finest runner of the season, Derrick Henry, wasted no time leaving his mark on the wild-card spherical, producing certainly one of his finest outings of the season. He tallied 186 speeding yards — over 60% of which got here after first contact — and scored twice on 26 carries. The efficiency marked his fourth consecutive recreation surpassing this line. With climate circumstances anticipated to influence the sport’s tempo, Henry ought to stay a focus of the offense.
Further Information
Baltimore has claimed WR Diontae Johnson off waivers following his launch from Houston. He will not rejoin the crew till after the Tremendous Bowl.
Chilly temperatures and doable snow showers are forecasted for the Buffalo space on Sunday night time.
The Maxwell Soccer Membership has named Payments HC Sean McDermott the thirty sixth winner of the Earle Greasy Neale Award, given to the season’s most excellent coach within the NFL.
